Rescuers sledge the ill teenager from the summit of Waun Fach. Photo: Brecon MRT

A teenager taking part in a challenge walk that raises funds for mountain rescue ended up being rescued himself after he collapsed with appendicitis.

The 19-year-old of Cirencester began suffering severe abdominal pains at the summit of 811m (2,657ft) Waun Fach on Saturday.

The man was participating in the Black Mountains Roundabout, an annual 40km (25-mile) challenge walk across the eastern Brecon Beacons.

Members of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, which benefits from the proceeds of the event, were stationed across the mountain-top route at checkpoints and a team doctor was able to give immediate assistance

She requested emergency medication and shelter to help the seriously ill man and a team member and local farmer’s son, from Pengenffordd, rushed the equipment by quad to the casualty.

Members of Brecon MRT and Longtown MRT teams then carried the stricken man two kilometres down the mountain to a point where he could be airlifted by RAF Search and Rescue 169, from Chivenor.

Peter Bradley, from Brecon MRT, said: “The conditions on the mountain with the wind and sleet meant it was vital to get the casualty off the mountain as quickly as possible.

“We are very grateful to the 17-year-old farmer’s son who used his quad to rush emergency pain relief and shelter to the casualty.

“The deep snow drifts meant he had to abandon the quad before he reached the summit and he and a MRT member ran the final distance with the supplies. This enabled our team doctor to make the casualty as comfortable as possible in the circumstances.

“Waun Fach is a long way from any road and a bad place to be taken ill.

“Low visibility made it impossible for the RAF search and rescue helicopter to get to us so we were very glad to be joined by Longtown MRT.

“We then carried the casualty down from the top for about 2km to where the cloud would allow the helicopter to land safely.

“It was well done to all.”

Luke Lewis, deputy team leader from Abergavenny-based Longtown MRT, said: “It was good to see such efficient co-ordination between teams.

“Brecon MRT had its hands full stewarding the Black Mountain Roundabout event and we were glad to be able to help.”

The teenager was taken to Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, where he had an operation to remove his appendix.

The Black Mountains Roundabout is a yearly joint event between the Newport YHA and Brecon MRT. This year 335 people took part in the gruelling walk with a total ascent of 2,042m (6,700ft).

The walk has raised more than £30,000 since it began in 1982.